Recent News

August 25, 2006

New leaders for new lawyers

Over a mini-retreat luncheon, the New Lawyers Advisory committee met for the first time to discuss goals and strategies for the 2006-07 year. The group was created as part of the New Lawyers committee to assist the Columbus Bar in meeting the unique needs of attorneys in their first few years of practice.

In planning ahead, the group focused on the great strides that chair Rebecca Price and other new lawyers volunteers have made in establishing the blockbuster event series for new lawyers in 2005-06 to take the place of faltering committee lunch meetings.

With incoming co-Chair Anthony Sharett leading the discussion, the committee took a hard look its own strengths, weaknesses and mission, as well as the characteristics and needs of attorneys as they move through the earliest stages of professional development.

Participants referenced their own experiences to create strategies and tactics for reaching out to new attorneys and creating rewarding opportunities for them to create the relationships with other professionals that support a successful legal practice.

Recognizing that active membership in the local Bar is vital to creating a professional network, committee member focused on identifying and eliminating common barriers to Bar participation among new attorneys. The group is committed to respecting the reality of scheduling pressures, family responsibilities and other limitations.

Made up of “veteran” new lawyers from all practice areas and types, the committee looks forward to tackling what has become a major problem for many local bars across the country: declining membership among new attorneys. With this group of committed leaders behind it, the initiative to preserve the vitality and integrity of our legal community is well on its way to success.

“The Columbus Bar is a tremendous resource for new attorneys, and there is potential to do even more.” said committee member Kathy Lloyd. “With President Belinda Barnes' support, we have an opportunity to ensure that our bar association will be here for us and our colleagues when we need it."

Details about events for new lawyers will appear in Columbus Bar Today and at www.cbalaw.org. For more information, contact Lara Bertsch at 614/221.4112 or lara@cbalaw.org.